One of the Herald’s chaplains answers your questions:
We were raised strict Catholics. I kept practising, but I know my brother, Bill, stopped when he
left home. We’re both grandparents now. I was surprised to receive an email from him saying
that the Church teaches it is a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday, and asking how could I
possibly be connected with an organisation which thinks he will go to hell. How do I reply?
Please tell Bill that the Church does not think he will go to hell. The Church hopes he will go to heaven! Try to find out why it is that he gave up going to Mass. If he has misunderstood the Church’s teaching on hell, perhaps he has misunderstood other teachings. Thirdly, pray for him – as I am sure you will.
